DXB May passenger numbers hit 6.7 million

Passenger numbers at Dubai International (DXB) hit the 6.7 million mark in May, operator Dubai Airports has revealed.

This represents a 7.2 percent increase compared to 6.2 million passengers recorded in May 2015.

And during the first five months of 2016, DXB welcomed 34.6 million passengers, which represents a year-on-year growth of 7 percent compared to 32.4 million passengers during the same period last year.

Eastern Europe was the fastest growing region in May 2016, rising 16.6 percent, followed closely by the GCC region registering year-on-year growth of 16.3 percent – propelled mainly by a surge in contribution from destinations like Jeddah, Riyadh and Doha, while Asia passenger numbers grew 10 percent, according to Dubai Airports.

In terms of total passenger numbers, India topped the list of best-peforming countries with a total of 989,680 passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia (549,091), the UK (435,251), and Pakistan (327,178).

London was the top city for passenger traffic with 280,945 passengers followed by Doha (243,845) and Mumbai (214,061).

“With near record numbers expected in the coming weeks as a result of the seasonal travel peak, we are looking at solid growth for the first half of 2016,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

“Our focus is on maintaining and enhancing service levels, despite the high volumes. As is the case every year, we are prepared with additional staff at all touchpoints, including our May I Help You personnel, to assist and guide passengers. We have also launched the Hangout@DXB campaign to inform, entertain and surprise passengers. The idea is to encourage passengers flying out on holidays to arrive early to the airport to ensure a smooth start to their journey while making the most of the wide array of dining, shopping and relaxation options we have on offer at DXB.”